Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines
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Types of benzodiazepines
There are three types of benzodiazepines:
Long
Intermediate
Short acting
Short-acting benzodiazepines have stronger withdrawal or ‘come down’ effects and can be more addictive than long-acting ones. Benzodiazepines are known by their chemical (generic) name or their brand name. In each case the drug is exactly the same – it’s just made by a different company.
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Common benzodiazepines & How they are used?
Benzos
Tranx
Sleepers
Downers
Pills
Xan/Xanax/Xannies
Serras (Serepax)
Moggies (Mogadon)
Normies (Normison)
Benzodiazepines are usually swallowed. Some people also inject them.
Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
Benzodiazepines affects everyone differently, based on:
• The person’s size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken
• The strength of the drug -
Benzodiazepines affect everyone differently, but the effects may include:
Depression
Confusion
Feelings of isolation or euphoria
Impaired thinking and memory loss
Headache
Drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue
Dry mouth
Slurred speech or stuttering
Double or blurred vision
Impaired coordination, dizziness and tremors
Nausea and loss of appetite
Diarrhea or constipation
Injecting benzodiazepines may also cause:
Vein damage and scarring
Infection, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and AIDS
Deep vein thrombosis and clots causing loss of limbs, damage to organs, stroke and possibly death
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Long-term effects:
Impaired thinking or memory loss
Anxiety and depression
Irritability, paranoia and aggression
Personality change
Weakness, lethargy and lack of motivation
Drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue
Difficulty sleeping or disturbing dreams
Headaches
Nausea
Skin rashes and weight gain
Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms
Benzodiazepines Overdose
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If you take a large amount, you could overdose. If you have any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:
Over-sedation or sleep
Jitteriness and excitability
Mood swings and aggression
Slow, shallow breathing
Unconsciousness or coma
Death (more likely when taken with another drug such as alcohol)
Mixing Benzodiazepines with other drugs
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Benzodiazepines + alcohol or opiates (such as heroin)
Breathing difficulties with an increased risk of overdose and death.
The effects of taking Benzodiazepines with other drugs including over-the-counter medication can be unpredictable and dangerous.
